Despite missing out two seasoned campaigners due to injuries, Manpreet Singh led India is all poised to perform well in the much awaited Hockey World League Semifinals starting in London today.

India is clubbed with Scotland, Canada,Pakistan and Netherlands, and will engage them in the same order to achieve its first target of coming first four, who will qualify for the quarterfinals.

Rupinder Pal Singh, senior cog in the Indian wheel, suffered a hamstring and had to return India. He will be replaced with Jasjit Kular, who is part of India’s strong 33-member core group.

Medio SK Utthappa too had to drop out due to injury, leaving new comber Sumit to fill his slot.

Both Utthappa and Rupinder were part of Indian team played the preparatory 3-Nation tournament in Dusseldorf in Germany, and then since returned home.

HWL SFs is a qualifier for the next World Cup, which India will host in Bhubneswar.

Therefore, India has no pressure to come on top five to realize the immediate goal of getting into the 16-team World Cup, unlike most others especially Pakistan.

India’s objective, as stated by it national coach Roelant Oltmans, is to finish on top two.

Its tall order, but surmountable.

India -Scotland match commences today at 18.30 hrs, will be telecast Live by Star Sports in India.